You know, I’ve tried most of the big name products out there in my time. SK-II. La Prairie. La Mer. I was a user of La Mer quite a few years ago when they were new to the local market, and I quite liked it. But about halfway though my experience, it made me break out. I had a little sample pot of Creme de La Mer that I took with me on a winter holiday and my skin loved it. It was supple and there was nary a dry patch in sight despite the biting and dry cold air. Came home to the tropics and broke out again. Sigh.
Recently, I tested it again but despite trying both the Creme de La Mer and the new Soft Cream, my skin didn’t quite take to either. Instead, what it really liked was the new The Treatment Lotion.
The Treatment Lotion is, if you are familiar with this sort of thing, a lotion aka essence aka “toner” in traditional parlance. It is a product that you use after cleansing and before your serums and moisturiser, and serves the purpose of hydrating and preparing your skin for the skincare that follows.
The key function is that of hydration and also to “recharge” your skin and you know me. Words like “hydrating” and “recharge” really get me going 😀
The Treatment Lotion has a rather interesting gel-liquid texture. It is a rather thick liquid but runny, so I can’t call it a gel either. It is very viscous and spreads very easily on the skin.
According to the instructions and to the SA at the counter who briefed me on this, you can do one of two things. You can either:-
- Saturate a cotton pad and then wipe it over your skin or
- Put a few drops in the palm of your hand and apply it to your skin
I opt for the latter method – why waste this precious liquid on a cotton pad when I don’t have to?
I usually drop about 3 drops of lotion into my palm, spread it out between my palms and then apply it to my face and neck. It spreads very easily and absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue.
The dispenser is quite restrictive and perhaps it’s the texture of the product that also means that it is quite easy to control the product dispensed. 3 drops is easily poured into your palm and it isn’t so liquid that it will drip everywhere so it’s really easy to control.
I had a little sample bottle from the counter that was the one that wowed me first. I had these little bumps of skin on my neck caused by dry skin, that wouldn’t go away. After about a week or so applying this on my face and neck, I noticed that the skin on my neck was looking better and more hydrated and more interestingly, the bumps had disappeared. The little sample bottle lasted me almost 3 weeks so if you can get a sample from the La Mer counter (it always pays to just ask – sometimes you meet nice SAs) it is a good enough gauge for you to decide if you like it or not.
For my face, I use this as my hydrating lotion. I sometimes mist my skin with a floral water then pat this on and the follow up with serums, oils and/or moisturisers. I find that my skin does like this. It feels better hydrated.
This Treatment Lotion is also supposed to “recharge” your skin but if I’m to be honest, I didn’t notice any lightbulbs coming on. My skin looked the same, but FEELS different. More hydrated, smoother, less noticeable fine lines. At this age, I’ll take that 🙂 I took this with me when I went to Australia recently and I believe it helped me through the dry cabin air, long flights and long hours, dry and cold climate and hectic change in lifestyle. If nothing else, at least my skin stayed hydrated and supple the week I was away, even if I felt like last night’s dog’s dinner 😛
So yes, I like this very much 🙂
There are however, 2 things I don’t like – the fragrance (it’s too strong and too perfumed so it would be best if it was formulated without any fragrance) and the price. But we can’t help the latter can we?
Update: Reader Wei Jian has informed me in the comments below that the SK-II Facial Treatment Lotion is RM429/150ml and sells like hot cakes. So in the bigger scheme of things I’d say this one’s more affordable (and importantly doesn’t break me out!)
In a nutshell
The La Mer The Treatment Lotion is a new inclusion in the La Mer range of skincare products. It is a hydrating lotion that you use after cleansing and before your serum and moisturisers and creams. If you use the La Mer range, this comes before your serums and Creme de La Mer. I use this as a hydrating toner. 3 drops of this gel-liquid textured product is sufficient to cover my face and neck and I find that it makes my skin feel smoother, more hydrated and more supple. My lines aren’t as obvious which may or may not be attributed to this, but I like how it feels and in comparison to the rest of the range it’s not as wallet-busting.
Pros: Makes my skin feel more hydrated and smoother, Helps alleviate dry spots on skin, Seems to help make fine lines less visible, A little product goes a long way, I use less serum/moisturiser
Cons: Pricey, Strong fragrance
Who will like this: Anyone who needs a hydrating toner that recharges the skin
This is supposed to be meant for all skin types. Those with oily skin might even feel that this lotion alone is sufficient for them. I can’t vouch for that as I do use serums or oils or moisturisers on top of this but if you have dry skin this really helps me boost and retain the hydration levels of my skin. Here is the ingredient list.
If you’re allergic to algae or marine products, don’t use this because it contains algae and other marine product extracts. I personally experienced no problems with this and I am very happy using it but you know how it is. It can’t and won’t suit everyone 😉
Oh and if you use the SK-II Treatment Lotion or are familiar with it, this is very similar in application except that I find the SK-II Treatment Lotion more liquid. However I can’t compare effects and performance because SK-II breaks me out and this doesn’t so you could say I’d be rather biased 🙂
Have you tried The Treatment Lotion? Do you use La Mer products or have you tried them?
To be honest I wasn’t too wowed by the cream or lotions or even the serum that I’d tried a sample of once before. But this one has impressed me and I’m still on the fence about the Hydrating Infusion so once I’ve figured out how I feel about it, I’ll let you know 🙂 The La Mer counters can be a little sticky about giving samples but if you can, persevere and see if they’ll give you a sample of this. It’ll be the best way to evaluate and decide if it works for you 🙂
Paris B
La Mer The Treatment Lotion Price: RM390/150ml Availability: La Mer counters
Juan says
January 9, 2014 at 8:42 amgasping at the price tag. sigh.
LeGeeque says
January 9, 2014 at 8:48 amIt lasts a long time! Wait, lemme go comment properly but it’s a huge bottle, really!
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:25 pmHaha as Legeeque said, it will last a very long time but yes, initial outlay is pricey (probably one of the cheaper items in the range though!)
LeGeeque says
January 9, 2014 at 8:55 amME! ME! ME! Believe it or not, The Cream broke me out only after the second or third sample pot. I think it’s the mineral oil in the product. I’m so glad I didn’t purchase a big fat jar. On the other hand, good Lord, yes, this treatment lotion coupled with the hydrating infusion ( don’t remember if it is new) is the magic formula for making my skin toing toing despite the wines over Christmas parties 😀 You’ve got to try the hydrating infusion next 😀 (I initially used 2 drops of the treatment lotion but it got too rich so I scaled it back to one drop. ONE PRECIOUS DROP) 😀 And that’s why I say, despite the high price tag, you only use a tiny bit so it will last 😀
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:27 pmI suspect the mineral oil too but as Val says there is olive oil in there so maybe it’s the olive oil too! Since I’m sensitive to olive oil and all that. I”m glad I got a sample jar too. I’ll save it for when I travel in winter (hopefully soon!) I think this is a great product really and you use one drop? Amazing! I use the Hydrating Infusion too but haven’t been wowed as yet. Maybe I have to try to stop and see if I notice a difference when I go back on it. I do like how my skin feels with this so it looks like I’m in this for the long run!
ponikuta says
January 9, 2014 at 8:56 amAll of La Mer (jar products) contains olive oil extract which I found to be the culprit in breaking me out during warmer months.
Try the oil free options – the moisturising lotion or oil free ones they don’t have olive oil in it, that might help?
And yes the treatment lotion is good!
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:28 pmAh thanks for the info! My skin is sensitive to olive oil which might explain why it break outs. That and the mineral oil. I’ll think about trying the lighter versions, Thanks!
Angelina says
January 9, 2014 at 10:34 amLove this to the max. I find other products are easily absorbed by the skin after using this treatment lotion. Skin is definitely more hydrated. I don’t mind the scent; I’ve came across worse. This is a keeper.
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:30 pmYou could be right Angelina 🙂 I find that oils and serums go on my skin more easily and the hydration is quite noticeable. I’m glad the scent goes away but I would be much happier if they did away with it. Glad you like this too and yes, it’s a keeper for me too!
lyn says
January 9, 2014 at 11:02 amSigh… I can’t use La Mer because I think my skin doesn’t react well to products containing stuff from the sea 🙁 My sister in-law swears by Creme de La Mer though so I’ll inform her about this lotion thing the next time we meet.
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:32 pmCreme de la Mer is so controversial. Some swear by it, others pan it. So interesting to read different views LOL! Yeah your SIL might like this. It’s supposed to help the CDLM work better
Tracy@Beauty Reflections says
January 9, 2014 at 11:21 amUGGGH this sounds like something my skin would LOVE. I have the SKII lotion, but notice nothing from it. Nada. But I used algae and marine based products in my 30s and my skin really loved them! Sigh. Maybe some day I’ll splurge!
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:33 pmYou and I have the same skin Tracy so… haha but I really like this one. Can’t say everyone will of course but if you get the chance to try it, do give it a go and let me know what you think 🙂 SK2 broke me out so bad >.<
rinnah says
January 9, 2014 at 11:55 amHighly tempted. I’ve been doing good on my current skincare routine but of course I want to look even better…
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:34 pmThere’s always that challenge to look even better isn’t there? I would highly recommend getting a sample first because I know you have sensitive skin so better to be safe!
Parita says
January 9, 2014 at 1:32 pmFor the price I really dont think its something amazing and a must have!
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:35 pmAh but it is! haha… ok maybe the price is scary but in comparison to others in its category it isn’t as scary as all that and it goes a very long way. Still, it’s probably one of those things that aren’t a must have (nothing is) but if budget allows then it’s nice to have and it does help my skin 🙂
kel says
January 9, 2014 at 2:35 pmGah..just when my skin is so dry..u post a review on this..makes me wanna go out and grab a bottle of this…lol..thanks P
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 4:36 pmLOL oops! 🙂 Try to get a sample to see if it helps you Kel 🙂
Wei Jian says
January 9, 2014 at 5:19 pmMy 2 cents : Pricey ? Yes, but certainly not as pricey as sk2’s essence which is priced at rm429 at 150ml. If people can buy truckloads of those (not to mention it’s still selling like hotcakes after so many years) , I doubt that the price of this would hold people back if it work wonders .
Paris B says
January 9, 2014 at 8:59 pmHi Wei Jian thanks for the 2 cents and wow I didn’t know the SK2 essence is so pricey! Gosh this seems affordable by comparison! You’re absolutely right. If people can shell out for SK2 they can quite easily shell out for this treatment lotion. I prefer this since it doesn’t break me out but for everyone else I will suggest trying to sample it before investing 🙂
Jennifer says
January 9, 2014 at 10:40 pmAwesome! This brand is so legendary and still far from my league though 😛 Glad it worked for you and the SA was exceptional too.
Paris B says
January 15, 2014 at 5:05 pmYes it worked impressively well! From experience if you’re prepared to persevere a little with the SA they will be able to give you a sample. This is after all a very expensive product and we won’t know if we’d like it till we try 😉
Lily says
January 9, 2014 at 10:47 pmI used their Creme de La Mer quite a few years ago. I decided to pamper my skin a few months before I got married and I decided on this. I didn’t break out from it, but I think I remember my skin felt softer. Seriously though, on younger twentysomething skin which is already firm, I could only tell that it was hydrating enough. LOL! Wonder how my skin will react to it now…
This lotion sounds all sorts of yum! I might give this a try after I use up the new lotion.
Paris B says
January 15, 2014 at 5:07 pmFunnily enough Creme de La Mer worked for me for a little while before breaking me out lol! Then again as you say, when you have 20 something skin, almost anything ‘works’ 🙂
Deepa says
January 11, 2014 at 1:56 pmI persevered, and I got me a sample!! as well as samples for the La Mer Softening creme!! wuahahahahha, AND they served me Twinings Bergamot Tea too…. yum yum…. But honestly speaking, I loved it, and I am definitely looking forward to making a purchase. Most definitely. Hopefully it does not break me out or stuffs as I do tend to have sensitive acne prone skin 😛
Paris B says
January 15, 2014 at 5:41 pmYay for perseverance Deepa! And yes you get a nice cuppa tea too 🙂 glad you liked the sample. It definitely made a difference to my skin
Ting says
January 24, 2014 at 3:33 pmYes as you said, some swears by the Creme de la Mer some don’t. A bit like Marmite. Either you love it or you hate it. No grey area. 🙂
A co-pilot I know who is in his mid 30’s swear by Creme de la Mer. He said up in the air the sun is so strong and air so dry (humidifier is not available in the pilot room). He has nice glowy skin, by the way. 🙂 I didn’t ask if he uses it even when he’s not managing the plane. :p
Paris B says
January 28, 2014 at 4:32 pmYou know, in cold, dry climates or in an airplane like your friend I believe Creme de la Mer is your friend. It really does help seal in moisture and keep skin flake free but for some reason I can’t wear it here. Perhaps it’s the ingredients or perhaps it’s the texture I can’t say but this Treatment Lotion is quite something else!
evelym says
May 4, 2014 at 2:45 amFirst of all I’m a big fan or u n ur blog. It’s a love n hate replay kinship really. Coz everytime I’m in here I spend money LOL. Anyway back to the treatment lotion, it is weird , recently I jus got back from a long trip to Germany. My skin was really dry and I bought this as the airport. What’s weird is , I wash with my milk , toner and applied this (my skin started to burn, it is not very bad , but still it hurts a little). I’m surprised bcoz it says on the box , it moisturize, reduce sensitivity and etc, I followed it up with Clarins Hydraquench serum, Genifique (burn feeling come back again a little) , Clarins Hydraquench Cream-Melt (skin instantly stop burning and feels good) and lastly Dior Totale Capture Night Restorative Cream. I do bliv that with the treatment lotion everything absorbs better. It’s my 3 days back n my skin still hav the reddish spot that only appear when it’s sensitive or extremely dry. All the above stil doesn’t help yet as of nw. I wonder why the Genifique serum and this burns tho ? Do u have any other suggestion that is a sure way to cure skin dryness ? Thank you for reading this long long post . 🙂
Paris B says
May 4, 2014 at 2:32 pmHi Evelym 🙂 It sounds like your skin may be a bit dry after your stint in Germany where I expect it must have been quite cold and dry. The stinging sensation doesn’t sound good so I’d hold off using it for a while until you rebalance your skin or get it acclimatized. I don’t have the ingredient list for the La Mer lotion so I don’t know if there’s alcohol in it, but I believe Genifique does and that might explain why your skin feels the stinging, especially if it’s dry and sensitive. My advice will be to stop using the products that are stinging your skin and stick to the ones that make your skin comfortable. It could be the change in the weather that is causing the sensitivity or it might just be that the products don’t suit you. If you are feeling very dry, see if you can get your hands on Hydraluron which I reviewed here and see if any of these tips here can help you. One more thing you can do to help is to use a gentle face cleanser, a hydrating toner or floral water (like the Melvita Rosewater mist), follow up with Hydraluron (or a hydrating serum like Clarins Hydraquench bi phase serum) and then the Clarins cream since that seems to work for your skin. Hope it helps! 🙂
evelym says
May 5, 2014 at 2:12 amHi ParisB. Thank you for the prompt reply. I have actually tried that before , the Hydrarulon . Finished it tho. Gotta ask someone from Kl to get it for me. I’m using a gentle cleansing milk & toner both from Lancôme . Yeah I suspect it have alcohol then mayb and Genifique really burns . Hmm I wonder why such a treatment lotion contain alcohol. Should I go back to Estée Lauder ANR ? I used a bottle n didn’t see the super hydrating effect so I tried Genifique lol
Paris B says
May 9, 2014 at 7:57 pmI personally can’t use Genifique (breaks me out) and I’m a huge huge fan of EL’s ANR so if you ask me you know what my answer is haha! 😀 ANR isn’t meant for hydrating. It’s one of its benefits, but it is more of an antiaging serum. I love it 😀
Anne says
May 14, 2014 at 12:50 amHi Paris,
I’ve recently scored some discount at DFS ( ohh yahh), and I wanna splurge it in La Mer’ pdts. I can’t decide between this treatment lotion ( I have to blame u for that! Hehe), or their Hydrating Infusion toner. I been doing some research online, and still cld not decide which one to try , given my oily and acne prone complexion. I know that treatment lotion is more of a pre-serum thing to put on before the usual serum etc. But it also hydrates the skin too…both seem to be ok for oily skin too
May I know if you have views on this pls? my budget only allows me to pick 1 item from La Mer 😉 thanks so much
Paris B says
May 22, 2014 at 4:01 pmHey Anne, The Hydrating Infusion toner is supposed to be used BEFORE the Treatment Lotion and to be honest, I tried it but I wasn’t sold on it. I prefer using just the Treatment Lotion on its own because it seems like it works for me anyway with or without the Hydrating Infusion toner 🙂
Simu says
August 31, 2015 at 6:12 pmWould love to try this!
A full sized La Mer product that is actually pretty affordable by Luxury Skincare pricing standards? Count me in! 😉
Mary says
March 1, 2017 at 3:53 amThis treatment lotion I like..but the ingredients are scary like fragrance, eucalyptus, alcohol and some others that concern me are not good for your skin.. Not sure I would spend so much on this when there are so many good ones out there.
WY says
April 12, 2017 at 10:04 pmHi Paris, would like to check if u still use additional toner with this Lamer Treatment Lotion? The SA from Lamer counter told me to use this after toner then only CDLM.
Also, if u r using actives, where does this fits into the regime? Would love to hear your feedback on this. Thanks 🙂
Paris B says
April 17, 2017 at 11:15 amHi WY, depending on what you mean by a toner, yes I do. I use it like this: Cleanse -> Acid toner -> Facial Mist -> La Mer Treatment Lotion -> serum -> moisturiser. Basically, this is my hydrating lotion. Hope this helps!